TIPS ON HOW TO STYLE YOUR BLANKET SCARF: THERE'S MORE THAN ONE WAY!

Nov 18, 2014

Oh, the blanket scarf. The most beautiful thing you can gift yourself this fall season. Not only does it keep you warm from those arctic blasts that like to hurtle down at you on the city streets, but it also makes you look a tad more sophisticated while bundled up to the nines...and not reminiscent of five year old you unhappily piled under a mess of scarves.

Another bonus of this fall staple: you can wear it not as a scarf. Okay, I think we lost a few people. Come back ladies, I swear I'm not going to propose something crazy. Just hang tight and hear me out.

You can turn this little number into a work horse by transforming it into a sweater/poncho option. And while you're thinking, "No, no you can't, Mar." I'm going to explain that yes, yes you can. And it's going to look intentional and not like you're trying to pass off a scarf as a shirt. Ready? Let's do it:

What I like to do first is put on a turtleneck so that I have a collar peeking out from underneath the scarf, making it clear it's not just me an' my bra under here. It also gives you a pop of color to work with, and this fall I have really been liking this forest green number. It warms up absolutely every color pallet I throw at it. After I have that on, I drape the scarf over my shoulders and secure a belt at my middle, cinching it into a sweater shape. I like to lift my arms out to my sides to make sure I'm not 1) trapped and 2) it gives the top more volume and a slight peplum shape.

Lastly- and this is the part that I think really makes it work-I add some sort of collar to top it all off. It gives the look more sophistication and makes it look a little more intentional. I have been going nuts with this New Old Fashion Vintage collar with all my looks recently, since it gives off a polished but cozy feel. If you don't have one of these (or a fur snood!) then try wrapping an infinity scarf close to your neck, piling on a thick statement necklace, or adding one of those tie-on peter pan collars. Then sling a compact cross-body bag across your front, put on a sassy little beret, and be on your way!

52 comments
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I don't think I've ever wanted a blanket scarf more than I do right now, you've picked the perfect one and styled it wonderfully! I love the fur collar and your brunette hair looks so healthy against the pattern of the scarf! The overall look is very 'country' and considering I pretty much live in the country, this is totally up my street! :)

I absolutely love this post, and your photos of course. I haven't been to your blog for so long now, and I've missed the warmth in your writings :) Anyway, I purchased a similar item myself a while ago, and I tried to wear a belt around it like you've styled but every time I tried, I failed miserably as the scarf kept looking weird around my arms... I definitely have to check for a similar collar!Have a great one, I'll try to visit more frequently from now on xx

Ahh, nice one! I have like three blanket scarves and I never know what to do with them. I've seen this style before. It's very elegant. Therefore, I probably couldn't pull it off. Haha. I'll figure something out eventually!

Two things I can't get enough of... plaid and subtle pops of fur. SO, this outfit is absolutely perfect and has my mind reeling on outfit possibilities. Also the styling on this scarf is absolutely brilliant. I used to wrap my scarves over leggings & clip them with a vintage broach. Pouf, an adorable skirt!! xoxo

Wait this is so great. I was just thinking about how simply it is to wear scarves as more than just accessories for my neck but I wasn't really sure how to go about it. But the answer is collars! So excited for winter now.

Ahhhh, I don't think my words will be able to express how wonderful this outfit is and how much I love it! You really outdid yourself on this one, Marlen. You layering skills shine here - the turtleneck, the little fur collar, the belt, everything! You look beautiful :)

OMG this is such a cool idea, when I first saw it I originally thought it was like a cape or jacket. That fur collar with it is such perfection. Also I saw your comment on a recent post of mine and I don't go to UIC, I got to Roosevelt I just live in Pilsen lol Justinehttp://theredlipchronicles.blogspot.com

You know, this concept is not new to me but for some reason it feels like it is. You've enlightened me somehow and why, I can't actually say. I've never thought of wearing them in this way myself perhaps, but I am so feeling it, draped and belted. Man, if only it were to get cooler not warmer. Sigh.

I adore the way you write - it's so funny and engaging! Anyway, love that you transformed a scarf into this! I probably would have thought it was a poncho if you hadn't said otherwise! Loving the whole look! :)

I looove how you've styled this, I have just bought a faux fur collar off Asos and my blanket capes are going to waste as I am dreadful at putting pieces with them., Love the beret too I don't wear mine enough, just off to scour your social media pages (just kiddng) but to follow you as I love your style and keep coming back for tips xxx

This is awesome...no, YOU are awesome. "it's not just me an' my bra under here"...haha...this made me laugh so hard. Burberry was doing something similar this season, but I wasn't quite convinced. I am now! I like your way much more than the Burberry way. Will definitely give it go :)

I didn't even realize that was a blanket scarf till I read the title. This is a great idea, and as you say, the collar of your sweater + the collar of fur really are the crowning touches that take the whole thing to the next level.

Probably my favorite outfit of yours! When I saw it on my facebook feed I was like "Aaaawww, I want to look like that!". It's just perfect, I especially love the collar, it brings so much to the whole outfit ^_^

I really like wearing an oversized scarf with a belt, it's a great alternative to a jacket when it's not too too cold out. I love the added touch with the collar, it really does make it seem more intentional.

I love this article, thank you so much!! (I know I'm super late to this party but I just discovered your blog and went a bit crazy with the back-reading...) I wanted a blanket scarf all autumn and winter last year but I just couldn't find the perfect one that didn't make me look like I was wearing a picnic blanket -hopefully they'll be just as popular this year!